The winning Spring 2025 Project 100 initiative will revitalize the Kathryn Turner del Mastro Chapel into a more welcoming, inclusive, and peaceful space for all students.
Project 100 is a unique development initiative that brings together 100 alumni, employees, and friends of the university each semester to evaluate student-led proposals aimed at improving campus life. Each member contributes $100, and the collective funds are awarded to the winning project.
This semester, 10 proposals were submitted, with three finalists selected to present their ideas virtually to Project 100 members. Alumni tuned in to hear three thoughtful, well-developed presentations, each offering a compelling vision for enhancing the Northwood experience.
Alumni ultimately selected a heartfelt proposal by Kelly Laux to transform the chapel into a safe haven for spiritual reflection and worship for students of all religions. Planned renovations include new carpeting, windows, seating, and bookshelves, as well as the preservation of poems and photos that honor Kathryn Turner’s legacy.
“The Kathryn Turner del Mastro Chapel has not been kept up or managed in a way that makes it an open space for students, and we would like for it to be a safe haven once again,” Laux shared in her pitch. “In our plans, we have incorporated all religions in order to ensure that it can be a beneficial space for all.”
“With these additions, churches can hold services in the chapel for students, Bible studies can be held here, and Standing in the Gap — a Christian student organization — would have a more practical place to worship,” Laux added. “Spirituality is important to students and the administration of Northwood, as it is a part of our FRESH AIR code of ethics. Creating a space for students to rest and regenerate in the peace of their savior is our priority.”
Northwood alumnus Alex Maki, who voted for the winning proposal, described the project as “a meaningful opportunity to restore something foundational rather than start from scratch.”
“Kelly articulated a clear and heartfelt vision to revitalize the chapel into a more welcoming, peaceful, and reflective space — one that could foster community, quiet worship, and honor Kathryn Turner’s legacy,” Maki added.
Senior Alumni and Engagement Officer Julie Adamczyk praised the student proposals and the alumni engagement this semester.
“Project 100 is a testament to what makes Northwood so special — our students’ leadership and innovation, and our alumni’s continued investment in the university’s future,” Adamczyk said. “This semester’s projects were the strongest yet, and Kelly’s vision touched the hearts of our alumni in a truly meaningful way.”
The other two finalists included:
- AutoConnect: A mobile, interactive digital kiosk designed to be the central hub for automotive engagement on campus, featuring multimedia content, industry news, and student-created videos powered by professional camera and lighting equipment.
- Lights, Camera, Action: A proposal to purchase photo booth equipment for university events, saving costs and providing hands-on leadership and service experience for students.
“This experience has been greater than I imagined,” stated Laux, a freshman studying healthcare management. “The encouragement I received from my fellow student presenters who were also my competitors was amazing, and the support of the project 100 donors is so motivating. I can’t wait to finish this project and make our students, alumni, and supporters proud.”
Spring Project 100 Pitches Are ‘Best Projects and Presentations’ To Date
One alumnus said the presentations were the best projects pitched so far for Project 100.
“They made me proud to be a Northwood guy,” added Bill Hoth.
Maki said he and his wife, Rachel, a Northwood alumna, were proud to cast their vote to help renovate the Kathryn Turner del Mastro Chapel.
“If you’re a Northwood alum and haven’t yet explored Project 100, I can’t recommend it enough,” Maki stated in a LinkedIn post. “It’s a direct way to make an impact and stay connected to the heart of what makes Northwood special; our students and their leadership.”
Project 100 always welcomes new members. Membership is just $50 per quarter, and meetings are held virtually twice a year. To learn more or to join the initiative, visit northwood.edu/alumni/project-100.
